This decision is extremely variable and will depend on the doctor’s clinical examination or your child’s mouth. Typically speaking, we recommend taking an initial set of x-rays around the age of three. The first set consists of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth, which familiarizes your child with the process. Once the baby teeth in back are touching one another, regular x-rays are recommended to detect cavities between the teeth that may not be visible in the mouth. Permanent teeth start coming in around age six, and x-rays help us make sure your child’s teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned. If your child is at a high risk of dental problems, we may suggest having x-rays taken at an earlier age or more frequently, but the decision is always based on a thorough examination of your child’s specific condition.